Nanbu-Morioka

About 8 percent of Japanese were Samurai class. Though they lived through this country, They have various character of the locality in this small country. I think some were marvelous natural at Bushido, some were not marvelous natural at Bushido.



Even though Samurai class was a dominator class in general, many Samurais were commanded by merchant in Osaka. Incompetent sons of merchants were adopted by Samurai's family. (merchants bought Samurai family estate) Many Samurai didn't receive respect from people, what is even worse, they worked at merchant's fingertips. I think Osaka's samurai was worst. They have no potential. Because they were merchant and servants of merchants. I guess most of them didn't educate themselves enough.



Capability is important. Morioka's Samurais are samurais among samurais. They were highly-educated Samruai. They cultivated their character. They lived for a great cause. It was said they were naively sentimental and clumsy. As a different instance, Sendai's samurai were said smooth operator and cunning. Sendai is next to Morioka. I heard about this from a person lives in Morioka. I can say, Sendai's samurai are better suited for war age. Morioka's samurai are better suited for peaceful time.



It is said key point of proficiency of Budo is acceptingness. I think we can say same thing in the case of personal quality cultivation. If good teacher is in a school, honest students will be a good samurai. Even though it is not simplicity, I think there is a bent in education things. Morioka's samurai had good talent in that regard.



Samurais behave honestly. It seems difficult crafty samurais behave in that manner. I think Bushido is involved in character of the locality deeply.



Such character of the locality nurture great people in every age. 5 prime ministers are from Morioka. (Precisely,it is Iwate prefecture, Morioka is the capital of the prefecture) First prime minister among common folk is from this prefecture. He did selfless politics in the early period of 20th century. Unfortunately, he couldn't get the economy back on the recovery track and Japan took a wrong course after his death, however, his cabinet is highly commended as a first full-scale party government.



Ichiro Ozawa who is a president of The Democratic Party of Japan abandon his desire to get be a prime minister, he left a ruling party and made a another party to make Japan a country of two-party system. If he didn't do it, he absolutely became a prime minister and the cabinet would so strong. His hope is remaking Japan into a really innovative society. For the hope, he abandoned his successful career with him follow in the footsteps of many great people of Morioka. He is known as "rubber arm Ozawa".



Ozawa's district belongs to Iwate prefecture whose capital is Morioka and it was territory of Sendai's load. I may say he is half-breed between Morioka and Sendai.



Well, now I have to go. Anyway, Morioka's people are gallant. I guess there were lot of gallant samurai warriors.



I took the photo at Morioka city. The tree called "Ishiwari Zakura". It means "cherry tree breaking a stone". The tree sprout out from the big stone. I feel spirits of Morioka's samurai in the aspect. It is energetic, benevolent and beautiful.